The Palace of Versailles has to be one of the most incredible, and iconic, buildings in France. It is known across the world for its impressive architecture, designed to showcase the grandness of the French monarchy. Not only can you explore the lavish rooms that make up this building, but you can also venture into the classically Parisian gardens. A day trip to Versailles can be easily made from Paris and this quick guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip. Here is all you need to know.
Day Trip to Versailles from Paris | Your Quick Guide
Getting to Versailles
Paris has some of the best connections of any city in Europe. A day trip over to Versailles Palace is really easy and convenient. From experience, the best way to do this is by train. Take the RER C line from Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. This journey takes around 40 minutes and you won’t need to change. Best of all, the trains run regularly and there is only a 10 minute walk from the station.
Alternatively, there are multiple tours that run here each day from Paris. Whilst I’ve never taken one and have always planned the day myself, these do include transport to and from the Palace.
Tip: Make sure that you arrive early, ideally before the gates open at 9:00 AM, to beat the extensive crowds. Versailles gets incredibly busy, especially during the peak months of the Summer.
Cost of visiting Versailles
The cost of visiting Versailles ranges depending on what you would like to do. If you want the full Passport Ticket, which includes the Palace, Gardens and Trianon Palaces, then each ticket will cost you €20. Then, if you would like an audio guide or guided tours, these cost an additional €5-€7 or €25-€40 respectively. There is also free entry for children under 18, EU residents under 26 and teachers. However, you will need to bring proof to receive the discount.
Why visit Versailles?
Versailles is one of the most incredible landmarks in Europe. Not only is the grand architecture amazing by itself, but the palace features extensive gardens and is filled with art, history and artefacts from French History. You’ll also get to see the famous Hall of Mirrors. The Palaces also tells the story of the legendary Sun King, Louis XIV, and showcases what life was like for the French aristocracy.
How to spend a day in Versailles
Morning: Explore the Palace
Once you arrive and survive the (possibly extensive) queues, you’ll be able to enter the Palace. From here, you can visit the State Apartments, all still in the style of how Louis XIV would have had it. You’ll be able to see the King’s Bedroom, along with the Hall of Mirrors. Another notable place to visit is the Chapel, where royal weddings and baptisms were held.
I would say that this can be quite the experience. During busy times, be prepared for limited manoeuvrability due to the crowds that form, with obvious slow points along the way. Whilst you do not necessarily need an audio guide, I would suggest getting one as there is limited information in each of the rooms.
Lunch: Dine Like Royalty
This next section is entirely down to you. There are some places that serve food and drink within the Palace grounds, including Grand Café d’Orléans, which is the main café on-site. I personally prefer Angelina’s which has a lovely range of pastries and some great light lunch options. If you want an al-fresco experience, why not go to La Girondale which can be found in the Gardens. I would say that the costs of these places are relatively high for what you would get, as you’d expect.
My alternative suggestion is a French picnic. Paris is perfect for this. You can easily buy fresh bread in the morning, alongside delicious cheeses and meats. You might have to put some effort into making it, but it will be a fraction of the cost and you can enjoy this in the Gardens.
Afternoon: The Gardens and visit to the Trianon Palaces
My favourite part of a visit to Versailles have to be the Gardens. You could easily stroll through these for hours and not get bored, stopping somewhere to enjoy a good book. They span over 800 hectares and feature beautifully-kept lawns, impressive fountains and bold structures. It was all designed by the landscaper André Le Nôtre and there are genuinely endless photo opportunities.
In the afternoon you can walk down the Grand Canal, rent a rowboat or just relax by the Latona Fountain or in the Orangerie. In the Summer, you might also get the chance to experience the Musical Fountain Show, which is where the fountains ‘dance’ to classical music.
Once you have seen what you want in the Gardens, I would suggest heading to the Grand Train and the Petite Trianon to see the famous retreats of the Royals. However, my favourite part of the Gardens has to be Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, a beautiful village that was made for the famous Queen’s retreat. It feels like an entire new world away from the grandeur of the main palace, but is definitely worth seeing.
Evening: A Relaxed Return to Paris
In the evening, if there is time, I would suggest walking through the town of Versailles before getting a train back to Paris. Once you get off the main tourist-heavy road, there are some nice little cafés nearby which are perfect for a coffee or glass of wine.
Tips for Visiting Versailles
- Buy tickets in advance: To skip the long lines, I would 100% recommend buying tickets in advance for your day trip to Versailles. The palace receives over 6 million visitors each year. I would also suggest booking for a weekday.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The palace and gardens are vast, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot.
- Check the weather: There is little to no shelter in the gardens, so bring either sun cream or an umbrella.
Final Thoughts | Day trip to Versailles
This has to be one of my favourite day trips from Paris. There is just so much to see and do here. Whilst the palace can get incredibly busy, it is surely high on any Francophile’s bucket list. You could easily spend a day here soaking up culture, history and stunning views. I hope that my quick guide helped you plan your day.
Have you been to Versailles? Share your favourite spots in the comments below!
